Michigan township governments have the authority to provide police protection for township residents. If a township doesn't provide local police protection, minimum service is provided through the county sheriff and the state police. Some townships contract with the county sheriff for additional police protection or with another local unit of government.

Public Act 246 of 1945, authorizes "township boards to adopt ordinances and regulations to secure the public health, safety and general welfare; to provide for the establishment of a township police department; to provide for policing of townships by certain law enforcement officers and agencies; to provide for the publication of ordinances; to prescribe powers and duties of township boards and certain local and state officers and agencies; to provide sanctions; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts in conflict with the act."

Are You Prepared? Emergency Management for Townships (.pdf)
Michigan Township News, September 2003